MAJOR repair work on sewers in Appley, Ryde, could continue until March next year — as five more months of road closures have been announced.

The water company said last week it had completed the repairs to the main collapsed sewer but had to make a decision over whether to futureproof another nearby.

It said if it did not act not there could be more, new, problems later down the line.

A sinkhole emerged on the beach-side footpath in January and there have been repair works ever since, seeing tankers brought in to transfer wastewater and the installation of temporary bypass pipes to fix the main sewer line issue.

The complex repairs have caused issues with businesses nearby and inconveniences to beach users over the summer but there was no concrete end date in sight.

Now, in the Isle of Wight Council's traffic regulation orders published in the County Press today (Friday), four road, cycle track and walkway closures have been announced at Appley between October 22, 2021, and March 4, 2022, or when the works have been completed.

Between Appley Lane and the Canoe Lake, North Walk and Appley Long Stay Car Park, part of the Ryde to Seaview cycle track and Ryde Footpath 90 are subject to the closures and are required for safety during sewer works.

Southern Water has been contacted for a comment about the work.

The company previously said: "We remain committed to minimising impact on the area, community, local businesses and environment; having made significant interim payments on account, pending figures showing loss of earnings to local businesses."